West Ham leading race for £17.6m-rated Euro star – report

West Ham have emerged as the frontrunners to sign in demand midfielder Leander Dendoncker, according to a report.

Alfredo Pedulla have reported that the 22-year-old was a target for a host of top European clubs, including Dortmund and Manchester United, however it is the Hammers who are now the favourites to sign the Belgian.

A fee of 20 million euros has been reported, or roughly £17.6 million, for the Belgian international, who currently plays for R S.C. Anderlecht, where he has amassed over 100 appearances.

The defensive midfielder, who can also stand in along the back four, has represented Belgium at a number of levels, before earning his first senior cap in 2015.

Football Insider verdict:

Leander Dendoncker is a hot prospect. The fact that he is on the radar of most of Europe’s great clubs proves how highly he is rated. It has been reported that Everton were close to a deal, but it seems as though David Moyes is going to strike some magic to steal the defensive midfielder. Dendoncker has international pedigree, and a move to the Premier League could be what it takes to secure the 22-year-old a seat on the plane to Russia. The Belgian would shore up an inconsistent Hammers midfield, and would relish the chance to learn under club-legend Mark Noble.